Ranger Shopping: Trim Comparison Needed

[wintermute]

I've got two trucks left to drive, and I'd like to get some pros/cons between the different trim levels…

All three are 4x4, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, electronic transfer case, extended cabs.

2003 Edge, 47,000 miles (to drive)
2005 FX4 L2, 72,000 miles (to drive)
2007 FX4, 45,000 miles (driven…like!)

The truck I go with will be my DD. I ski and do drive in snow, thus the 4x4… and after looking through some of the trucks here, I definitely want to try some off roading.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Pagemaster]

Do you have pics of them? and do the two fx4's have the two tone paint job?

 

[wintermute]

'03 Edge:

'05 FX4 L2:

'07 FX4:

What are the major mechanical differences (if any) between the FX4s? IIRC the Edge models had open differentials. Would there be a code on the door sticker to indicate otherwise?

Thanks!

 

[Grey_04]

the '07 would be my truck of choice. less miles and personally looks better to me.,,but that's just my $.02

 

[adsm08]

I'd buy the Level2. Both of the FX4s should have a limited slip, but the L2 should have the stronger 31-spline 8.8. The other should have a 28-spine 8.8.

I'd try to find out as much repair history on all of them as you can though. If the dealer didn't do it during the re-condition, I'd want the trans fluid changed soon too, on any of them.

 

[C_Root]

I've got two trucks left to drive, and I'd like to get some pros/cons between the different trim levels…

All three are 4x4, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, electronic transfer case, extended cabs.

2003 Edge, 47,000 miles (to drive)
2005 FX4 L2, 72,000 miles (to drive)
2007 FX4, 45,000 miles (driven…like!) =QUOTE]

To my knowledge, the edge is 2WD only. It has the ride height and the torsion bar system that is the same as a 4x4, but is only two wheel drive.
Croot

 

[4.0B2]

looks i'd have to go with the 07, now if the 07 is the 28 spline... well, that depends on how hard you wanna wheel it. i've 28 splines do some good stuff on 33's. you could always replace the rear axle if you wanted. think of the price difference compared to the mileage difference. but when it comes down to it, which one does your body like driving more. don't make any decisions on what ppl say on here. go by your gut feeling

 

[wintermute]

don't make any decisions on what ppl say on here. go by your gut feeling

Quoted for truth!

Like I said in the OP, In order to make the best-informed decision, I'm looking for info on what makes them different or one better than the other, (especially the FX4s).

I really do like the two-tone paint on the FX4 and I agree with your take on the mileage, except the dealership decided the raise the price for the weekend…I tend to walk on account of BS like that.

The Edge is a 4x4 and it's the least expensive (by almost 4k!) I imagine on account of age, although It does have stupid-low miles for an '03. Even though I'm not shopping for a dedicated trail toy, being able to handle trails with the least amount of drama would be a plus. (I'm a 100% offroad and 4x4 noob)

Thanks for your input, guys!

 

[Mac]

The thing I like about the '03' vs the later ones in the dash lighting, I know a very minor item but irritating. Full gauges on the '03'. With my '05' due to the LCD indicators being gray on a black ground, you couldn't see them at times (like going into the sun), that includes the clock and radio display. I think all three would work good for what you want/need. Some people (like me) just have a 4x4 for when they need it, not as a year around DD so 47,000 wouldn't be out of line.
Dave

 

[adsm08]

To my knowledge, the edge is 2WD only. It has the ride height and the torsion bar system that is the same as a 4x4, but is only two wheel drive.
Croot

You can get Edge in 4x4, but they are rare. The first place I worked the shop truck was a 4x4 Edge.

 

[-Nathan-]

You can get Edge in 4x4, but they are rare. The first place I worked the shop truck was a 4x4 Edge.

its common to see 4x4 edge's up north here.

to the OG, I would either get the level 2 fx4, or that edge (great looking truck).

I just cant stand the newer fx4 trucks, look like junk IMO

 

[84stealthranger]

get the 05 level two. thats what i would do anyways

 

[adsm08]

get the 05 level two. thats what i would do anyways

That'd have been my advice too if the 05 had been a level 2.

 

[84stealthranger]

it is a level 2

 

[adsm08]

it is a level 2

Haha, whoops. It is. I was thinking the 05 was the newest of them. *facepalm*.